Player of the Year. David West of Xavier is my A-10 Player of
the Year. He won multiple games by hitting clutch shots at the end of
the game. He is a double-double virtually guaranteed every night. I
love the fact that he is an excellent free throw shooter (above 80%).
Jameer Nelson of Saint Joseph’s is the runner-up. He has answered
every challenge this year. His stock nationally is on the upswing.
His play should merit 3rd team All-American status or
Honorable Mention at worst. Nelson (along with Xavier’s Romain Sato)
will be the favorite for the 2003-04 A-10 Player of the Year. The
only other player to factor into the POY race was Nelson’s teammate
Delonte West. West extended his offensive game by adding the
three-pointer to his repertoire. He is an explosive scorer and an
above average passer. His health down the stretch took him out of the
running and eventually off the 1st team.

Dedrick Finn and Lionel Chalmers can both be argued for a place on one
of the teams. Since Finn had a slow start and Chalmers missed time
due to injury, both were left off the team. If both healthy and
productive for the full year, they would have surely made the team.
Winning is a key to making the team. So, although Chris Monroe of GW
may be a little better than Brooks Hall individually, I chose Hall
because his rebounding ethic and scoring inside the arc this year made
Dayton a better team. Monroe did not take GW anywhere. I almost
placed Pat Carroll on the third team, but his inability to score off
the dribble and his reluctance to shoot when closely guarded made the
decision easier. His defense needs a little work as well. As for the
winning part, that is why Michael Haynes of Fordham did not make the
list.

Best Players by Academic Year. * Denotes best player in each
category. HM stands for Honorable Mention.

Phil Martelli (STJ): picked to finish 4th in A-10 East.
Captures the award for the third time because he changed his coaching
philosophy from offense to defense. Has restored discipline.

Jim Baron (URI): if URI didn’t fade down the stretch, he would have
won. Does more with less than any other coach in the league. Doesn’t
have a star on his team.

Thad Matta (XAV): was fortunate to have David West return. Has his
club playing great defense. Overcame the injury to Chalmers and the
defection of David Young.

Oliver Purnell (DAY): interesting move to swap positions between Ramod
Marshall and Mark Jones. Change allowed Jones to become a better
player. Makes his teams play smart and hard.

Defensive Team

Tyrone Barley* (STJ)

Tony Dobbins (UR)

Jameer Nelson (STJ)

David West (XAV)

Howard Smith (URI)

Tyrone Barley is the catalyst for the Hawks’ defense. He chooses who
he wants to guard. And then the other match-ups are decided. His
hounding defense results in many deflections, steals, blocks, and
5-second violations for opposing players. He is mainly responsible
for the Hawks great defensive numbers (58 ppg allowed and 36% opp FG).

Most Improved HM: Jeff Myers
(UR)

Delonte West * (STJ) Brooks Hall (DAY)

Mike Gansey (STB) Mark Jones (DAY)

Jackie Rogers (UMASS)

Michael Haynes (FOR)

Glenn Batemon (FOR)

Sean Finn (DAY)

West wins this award hands down. Can create his shot at any moment.
Plays with great body control. If his leg heals completely, he will
be a force on Hawk Hill for years to come. Mike Gansey should be
starting. He is becoming a solid player. Glenn Batemon has some
potential.